|
March 1. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to James Viscount Clanneboy.
We have sent Major Robt. Astley and Lieut.-Col. John Huetson to
treat with Ormond about the present employment of the forces
now in [the barony of] Lecale for the defence and security of the
garrisons in his hands till the rest of our forces designed to receive
those garrisons from him can be ready. Which business, if it be
tranacted according to our instructions, the said forces are to be
drawn out of Lecale, for the defence whereof during their absence
we have appointed three companies of foot to be drawn out of the
regiments commanded by your Lordship, Sir John Clotworthy, and
Col. Conway, besides two troops of horse of Lord Blaney's and
Major Clotworthy's commands, which are forthwith to march into
those quarters. Upon the marching of these forces [out of Lecale]
you are to cause one company of your regiment to march again
into the same quarters you lately left, and take care of the preservation thereof. [Interregnum 23 E., pp. 131, 132. Copy=
¾ p.] |
March 1. |
The like to Sir John Clotworthy, Col. Conway, Lord Blaney, and
Major Clotworthy, except the last clause, where read "to march
into Lecale," instead of "the same quarters you lately left." [Ibid.
Minute.] |
March 1. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Salop. We have contracted with
Col. Anthony Hungerford for the raising of a regiment of foot for
Ireland, and he hopes to obtain the greater part of the men from
the forces of your county which the House [of Commons] has
ordered to be disbanded. As this service requires all possible
expedition we desire you to give him every assistance for expediting his levy both by a speedy disbanding and otherwise.
Upon the disbanding of your forces leave them their arms and
supply the rest out of your stores; in this you will do a very good
service to that poor kingdom of Ireland, but let it be done speedily,
else the design of this service will be frustrated. [Ibid., pp. 132,
133. Copy=2/3 p.] |
March 1. Derby House. |
The same to [Col. Michael Jones] Governor of Chester, or to the
officer there commanding. We have sent Major Astley and Lieut.Col. Huetson to treat with Ormond about the present employment
of the forces in Lecale and others for the defence of Dublin and
the rest of the garrisons in his hands against any attempt of the
rebels, till the rest of our forces designed for that service can arrive
there. For the better assurance of Ormond's promises they are to
demand hostages of him, to be put aboard of the Parliament's ships
there, to be transported to Chester. You are therefore, in case of
the coming of these hostages, to take care that they be safely kept
and treated with all due respect. Sent by Major Astley. [Ibid.,
pp. 133, 134. Copy=¾ p.] |
March 4. |
24. Order made at the Committee of Lords and Commons for
Ireland. That Nicholas Loftus, Esq., Deputy Treasurer-at-Wars
for Ireland, be hereby authorized to receive the 35,877l. 14s. 9d.
appointed by the three several Ordinances of Parliament of the
23rd February and 2nd March to be paid out of the receipts of
Goldsmiths' Hall for the service of Dublin, and all other moneys
which shall be hereafter designed for that affair and placed within
disposal of this Committee. [2/3 p.] |
March 4. |
25. Order of the House of Commons. Whereas, in Feby.
1643[–4], Denys Bond, Esq., M.P., was appointed to receive 400l.,
being moneys of the Duke of Candales, lying in the office of the
King's Bench, and to issue the same for the service and preservation
of Lyme Regis, in co. Dorset, then besieged; it is ordered, that
the Committee for taking the Accounts of the kingdom do accept
of and allow to Mr. Bond, upon the passing of his account, the
acquittance and receipt of Col. Robt. Blagh in discharge of that
sum, received and issued by Mr. Bond. [Printed in Commons'
Journals v., 106. Damaged by damp. 2/3 p.] |
March 4/14. Middelburg. |
26. Arthur Lord Capell to a friend in England. Since I wrote
last I hear that my wife has promise of a pass for my coming into
England. I inform you of my intention of departing for England
lest your letters might fall into hazard of miscarriage. The pass
is not yet sent unto me, but by the last letters my friends send me
word that they hope I shall find the King's affairs in a hopeful
condition, truly his great courage and constancy is our anchor.
From the Hague I learn that owing to the Prince of Orange's
indisposition the army is not like to take the field this summer.
That 78 Articles concerning the peace are signed and will hardly
be revoked, if denied by the French they may have countenance
for the next summer without assistance, but most believe neither
if the peace be opposed. These States are at this time very busy,
and a general meeting is to be suddenly, the event of which will
satisfy the world, the death of the Prince of Orange daily expected
will cause or endanger great alterations here. [1 p.] |
March 4. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of Denbigh
and the dept. lieuts. of cos. Carnarvon and Anglesey. We have
written to Col. Mytton for the present making ready of a regiment
of foot for the service of Ireland, and as the employment they are
designed for requires all possible expedition we desire you to give
him your best and most effectual assistance in this work. We
have sent him the enclosed orders of the Commons both for disbanding the forces of North Wales and for giving a month's pay
out of their arrears to such men as shall enlist themselves [for this
service] over and above what is given to those who are only disbanded. Knowing your readiness to aid the public service and
conceiving it to be also for your particular advantage, now that
your country is reduced, to be disburdened from the soldiers, we
recommend it to your special care that the money appointed by
order of the House may be speedily levied for their payment, or if
it cannot be raised with the necessary expedition, then let it be
raised some other way upon the credit of that levy. What other
conditions the soldiers may expect we have written to Col. Mytton.
Let those who re-enlist for the service in Ireland retain their arms,
and those who are without be supplied out of the stores in your
country. The great consequence of the service makes us again
desire your most effectual and speedy concurrence and assistance in
this work. Sent by Mr. Faukeard. [Interregnum 23 E., pp. 135,
136. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
March 4. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Mytton. The Marquis of Ormond having again
made offer to deliver up to the Parliament all the places held by
him, which offer has been accepted by the Parliament, forces are
urgently required to receive these places, there being no doubt but
that the rebels are advertised of that his address and application,
and that they will put out their utmost power to take in those
places before they be garrisoned by us. We have agreed already
for some forces here and given order to some others in Ireland to
be ready for that service, but [these are] wanting yet of the
numbers we conceive necessary for that work. Having had good
experience of your forwardness for all public service, and those
forces [with you] lying opportunely for transportation, we desire
you to prepare and make ready out of the soldiers of North Wales,
which the House has ordered to be disbanded, one regiment of foot
to consist of 1,000 men besides officers, which you are to put under
good and well affected commanders. Signify the names of those
you make choice of hither that they may receive commissions.
We send you herewith the Commons' order for disbanding the
forces of North Wales, and another order for present payment to
such as shall re-enlist for this service one month's pay of their
arrears over and above what is given to those who are only disbanded. Expedite so far as you can the levy of money in North
Wales for the furnishing of those forces in case you can raise them.
The conditions the soldiers are further to expect are that at their
coming to the port of Beaumaris, during all the time they shall be
detained, the payment of 6d. per diem to be employed for their
subsistence and discharge of their quarters; and when they shall
be embarked on shipboard they shall receive one month's pay for
officers and soldiers, and the like care shall be taken of them for
the future as of others employed in the same service. We desire
that those who re-enlist shall be suffered to retain their arms, and
those that want can be supplied with the arms of such as are to
be disbanded and do not re-enlist. There being nothing in all this
service of so great concernment as the expediting of it, we recommend it to your especial care that it may be effected upon the
terms mentioned, from which we cannot vary, it having been the
rule held with all those who are taken on for the service of Ireland
out of any disbanded forces. We desire a speedy account of what
you shall do herein and for the present, by this messenger, your
opinion of what you conceive we may expect from you. We have
also written to the Committee at Denbigh and to the dept.
lieuts. of Carnarvonshire and Anglesey to give you all the
furtherance in their power in this so pressing a service. Sent
by Mr. Feaukeard. [Ibid., pp. 137–139. Copy. 2½ pp.] |
March 5. |
Note of proceedings in the House of Lords. A letter from the
Scots' Commissioners was read [See 6 Feb.]. Also an Ordinance
for paying 35,000l. to the Earl of Argyle, being part of the latter
200,000l. to be paid to the Scots. Agreed to and ordered to be
sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence. [Printed
in Lords' Journals ix., 58. Interregnum 63 G., 602.] |
March 6. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Thos. Fairfax. We
have received yours of the 4th from Nottingham, and thank you
for your speedy return of an answer so agreeable to our desires.
By the seasonable supply of the forces therein offered we hope the
places [to be delivered up by the Marquis of Ormond] will be
secured, and they will save us much trouble in providing other
forces, which would have been neither so ready nor fit for that
service. We are very sensible of the good affections of Col.
Hammond, and his readiness for a service of so great concernment
to the kingdom. We are for our parts satisfied of the reasonableness of the demands, and shall report your letter to the Houses,
and return their answer with all possible speed; meantime we
desire [you], till that order can be had, to put those forces in the
greatest readiness that may be to march for that service. Sent by
Mr. Durand. [Interregnum 23 E., pp. 139, 140. Copy=2/3 p.] |
March 6. Derby House. |
The same to Mr. Charles Walley. We are informed by the
petition of Col. Castle that the soldiers of his regiment are at
present in great want of shoes and other necessaries, which should
not be so, as we have designed them for a service of great importance. We therefore desire you to furnish the Colonel with
100l. upon account, as part of the 14d. per week which the soldiers
of his regiment are to have, to be employed by him in supplying
shoes and other necessaries. You are also to provide 300 muskets
and 100 pikes for arming such of his regiment as are not yet provided with arms, and we will see that money be provided for the
same. [Ibid., pp. 140, 141. Copy=2/3 p.] |
March 6. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Lancashire. Let the regiment
of Col. Castle which is now in your county be removed into places
near the seaside, so as to be in readiness for transportation into
Ireland, which will be within a few days. We have written to
Col. Castle about the disorders of his soldiers, and given order that
he see these redressed. Sent by Mr. Marsh. [Ibid., p. 141. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
March 6. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Castle. By the enclosed paper you will see
the complaints which are made against some soldiers of your
regiment, and how much the country suffers by them. Among
other complaints there is notice taken of many Papists and other
ill affected persons being in that regiment, which we desire you to
look unto and see that they be put out of it. Otherwise, instead
of that service which the State might expect from them, there will
be just cause to fear that they may prove dangerous to the rest of
our forces, and we expect you should use your utmost care herein.
Your forces being to be speedily transported into Ireland, we have
written to the Committee of that county [Lancashire] to remove
them to such parts near the sea as may be most convenient for
their transportation. We again desire you to have them in
readiness to depart, so soon as you shall receive intimation for it,
according to the directions in our former letter. We have written
to Mr. [Charles] Walley at Chester to pay you 100l., as part of the
14d. per week which your soldiers were to receive, to be only employed by you in providing them with shoes and other necessaries
to make them ready to march, and for no other purpose. The rest
of that 14d. per week which is due to them in arrear shall be paid
them, together with their month's pay, when they are on shipboard,
as you will see by the enclosed order of this Committee. Sent by
Mr. Marsh. [Ibid., pp. 142, 143. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
March 6. |
Petition of Sir Wm. Master, Knt., to the Committee for Sequestrations. That, not out of disaffection to the Parliament, but
merely from the pressing power of the King's army in the west,
petitioner, whilst residing peaceably at his own house in Gloucestershire, was enforced, the Princes Rupert and Maurice then quartering
in his house, to subscribe some few warrants for contribution to the
army at that time engaged against the Parliament, by reason
whereof he is made a delinquent and his estate sequestered.
Forasmuch as the said warrants were signed by him rather
coercively and for his personal safety than voluntarily out of disaffection to the Parliament, petitioner having taken the Covenant
and Negative Oath before the Committee at Gloucester by virtue
of your Lordships' order, as also for that he did voluntarily, in
August 1644, conform and submit himself to all orders and Ordinances of Parliament, as by their certificate appears. Besides that
he has already compounded and paid the Committee of Gloucester
for his personal estate 100 marks, and for his lands for the years
1644 and 1645 the sum of 200l. Your petitioner, with hearty
sorrow for his offence, beseeches the favour of your Committee that
consideration may be taken of the premises and of his debts,
amounting to 1,000l., as well as of his losses and sufferings, so that
he may be admitted to composition at such reasonable rate as he
may be able to pay without his utter ruin, having a family of 12
grown up children, thereby freeing his estate from sequestration
and delinquency. Underwritten, |
Received 6 March 1646[–7], and referred to the sub-committee.
John Leech. [Interregnum 207 G., p. 8.] |
[March 6.] |
Petition of Sir Wm. Master, of Cirencester, in co. Gloucester, to
the Committee for Compositions. That he has resided with his
family for the last 16 years at Cirencester, and until the King's
party took the town he sent out and maintained a horseman and
arms for the Parliament's service. By reason of his constant habitation in Cirencester he has been ever since under the power of the
King's army, and was forced immediately after the taking of that
town to sign, contrary to his liking, some few warrants for contributions to his Majesty's garrisons there in Gloucestershire, which
he rather did in order to the ease and safety of the country than
out of any ill affection to the Parliament. That petitioner, having
been sequestered for signing such warrants, only in Michaelmas
term last did by way of appeal apply himself to the Committee
for Sequestrations, hoping to have been there relieved, but upon
debate was, contrary to expectation, adjudged to be within the
Ordinance of Sequestration. His desire to this Committee is that,
since the dangers of passage for the present are such as that with
safety he cannot come to London to give a more exact particular
of his estate, with his deeds and evidences to set forth the charges
and encumbrances thereupon, that you would be pleased to direct
the Committee for Gloucester to examine the particulars upon
oath, and the value of his estate with the charges thereupon, and
his debts, and to certify the same [to you], that so petitioner
may be admitted to his reasonable composition, according to the
Ordinances in that behalf. [Interregnum 207 G., p. 20.] |
March 6. |
Petition of Wm. Goodgron, vintner, of Skipton, co. York, to the
Committee for Compounding at Goldsmiths' Hall. That long
before these troubles petitioner's habitation was in Skipton, and
upon the approach of the Parliament's forces to besiege the castle
there, then held as a garrison for the King, the then Governor of
the castle threatened petitioner that he would plunder and undo
him and his family if he came not into the castle. To prevent
which he entered the castle, and did assist the forces of that
garrison against the Parliament, for which his estate is sequestered.
Upon the reduction of the castle into the power of the Parliament,
23 Dec. 1645, he submitted himself, and hath ever since lived
obedient to all orders and Ordinances of Parliament. Desires that
he may be admitted to a reasonable composition, having taken the
National Covenant and Negative Oath. [Interregnum 207 G.,
p. 852.] |
March 8. |
27. Resolved that no member of this House [of Commons] shall
have the command of any of the garrisons, or of any of the forces
that are now to be kept up in the kingdom of England under the
command of Sir Thos. Fairfax. [Printed in Commons' Journals
v., p. 108. ⅓ p.] |
March 8/18. Norgowe. |
28. Sir John Conyers to Edw. Visct. Conway. The Prince of
Orange died the 4/14 of this month. Since we have not heard how
business goes at the Hague. The peace between the Spaniards and
these people is certainly concluded. Monsr. de Sernient, one of
the Ambassadors for France at Münster, has been long at the
Hague endeavouring to hinder the conclusion of the peace, but to
no purpose. The Duke of Brandenburg was gone into Cleofland
[Circle of Cleves ?], but is returned to the Hague. Col. Goring has
sold his regiment for 2,000l. Killigrew is to give 500l., so is Winde,
who was Sergeant-Major, and Payton, who is to be Sergeant-Major,
and one Skelton, who commanded Goring's company and now is to
have it, each of them [paying] 500l. They say Goring is gone to
Lillo [in Belgium], where the money is to be paid, and from thence
goes to his father at Brussels. Sir Michael Woodhouse, coming
from the Queen's Court at Paris, passed this way towards the
Hague some days since. [Damaged by damp. 1½ pp.] |
March 9. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Thos. Fairfax. We have
reported your letter of the 4th March to the Commons, who have
approved of the conditions offered by Col. Hammond for his own
regiment and the other forces mentioned in your letter, as you will
see by the enclosed order of the House. We desire you to direct
2,000 of those forces to be in readiness to march to Chester for
their transportation when we give order for it, which will be in a
very few days. Sent by Mr. Butler. [Interregnum 23 E., p. 143.
Copy. ½ p.] |
March 11. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Castle. We have
appointed your regiment to be speedily transported for Ireland
upon special service. We desire you to remove your regiment into
such parts of the county [of Lancashire] as are near the sea, that
when you receive directions for their transportation the soldiers
may be in aposture to embark without any further delay. Sent
by Mr. Potter. [Interregnum 23 E., p. 144. Copy. ½ p.] |
March 11. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of co. Somerset. We have agreed
and contracted with Col. [Walter] Long for transporting a regiment
of foot into Ireland for a service there which requires all possible
expedition. He has 500 men now in readiness about Bridgwater
who are of the disbanded forces of your county, but they having
laid down their arms at their disbanding now require to be rearmed, either with those arms which they laid down or with others
out of your stores. Give the Colonel your best assistance in his
endeavours to make up those 500 men to a full regiment of 1,000
besides officers out of your disbanded forces. Let these be furnished
with arms as the former, and have a month's pay according to the
order of 4th Aug. herewith sent you. The service in which they
are to be employed is both of so great concernment and requires
so much expedition that we trust you will do your utmost for promoting it. [Ibid., p. 149. Copy. 1 p.] |
March 12. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Castle. In ours of the
27th ult. we wrote to you that we had sent Major Astley and
Lieut.-Col. Huetson to make some propositions to the Marquis of
Ormond for the present employment of such of our forces as were
ready for the defence and security of the garrisons in his hands,
with instructions to you to transport yourself forthwith thither for
that service in manner as should be agreed by them. Considering
the difficulty of communicating by reason of the winds, and being
informed that the rebels are preparing against Dublin, which if
they should carry through defect of force, it would be of extreme
prejudice to the further prosecution of the war in Ireland, we have
thought fit that you should forthwith ship and transport yourself
and regiment to Dublin. We have ordered that shipping and all
other provisions necessary may be ready for your transportation,
and have written to Mr. Walley that upon your soldiers being on
shipboard one month's pay should be delivered to officers and
soldiers, besides so much of the 14d. per week allowance as remains
due to them, deducting the 100l. already delivered to you by
Mr. Walley for providing shoes. Upon receipt hereof you are to
march to Liverpool or other port where the shipping is provided
for your transportation with your regiment to the bay of Dublin.
In case you should arrive at Dublin before the hostages desired be
delivered by Ormond, you are not to land your men or receive
orders from Ormond, but ride at anchor there until the hostages
be delivered as mentioned in the instructions, or you receive further
order from us, or shall be put into such of the garrisons mentioned in the instructions, upon the conditions therein expressed,
as you shall be able to make good. In case Ormond shall neither
give the hostages nor put you into any other of the garrisons, and
you should not receive any further orders from us by reason of the
winds, you are then to bear up to the port of Strangford, or other
port in the Parliament's power in Ulster which you may be able to
reach, and there to land your men and give us speedy advertisement
of it. In order that you may be the better able to continue in the
Bay of Dublin we have ordered that sufficient provisions be put
on board for that purpose. We again desire you there may be no
opportunity lost in this affair, and that upon no pretence or dispute
whatsoever it may receive any delay, but that you will use your
utmost diligence to get your soldiers on board. We shall take care
that all things promised by us be provided for them, so if any
prove mutinous or unruly to the disturbance of this service they
will be proceeded against by us with all just severity. P.S.—There
are other forces both of horse and foot ready to follow after you.
Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., pp. 144–147. Copy. 3½ pp.] |
March 12. Derby House. |
The same to Mr. Charles Walley. We are unwilling to lose the
opportunity of this easterly wind for the transport of Col. Castle
with his regiment of foot to Dublin, and have therefore given him
express order to embark, and have directed that shipping be provided for this purpose. We desire that a month's pay be given to
officers and soldiers according to their agreement when they shall
be shipped, besides the remainder of the arrears of the 14d. per
week, part of their 6d. per day whilst expecting transportation,
deducting the 100l. already paid for provision of shoes. Give what
assistance you can for procuring shipping to carry them over, and
take care that they be supplied with more than the ordinary proportion of victuals as they may be detained some time in Dublin
Bay before they can go ashore. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 148.
Copy. 1 p.] |
March 12. Derby House. |
The same to Mr. Rowe and Mr. Hooke. The wind being now
fair [for Ireland] we would not lose the opportunity of it for the
transportation of Col. Castle and his regiment, and have therefore
sent express order to him forthwith to embark, and given him
instructions for that service. Take care that shipping be ready at
Liverpool, or such other port as you, upon conference with the
Colonel, shall judge fittest. Let a sufficient quantity of victuals be
put on board, as we know not how long they may have to ride at
anchor in the bay before they can land. We have written to
Mr. Walley to assist you both for the provision of shipping and
victuals. Use all possible diligence for expediting this service, lest
the westerly wind returning should prevent the sending over of
any forces to Dublin, though the necessity should be never so great
and pressing. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 150. Copy. 1 p.] |
March 13. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Thos. Fairfax. We
desire you to give order for 12 horse or dragoons to be at
St. Albans on Wednesday, for convoy of money to Chester; they
will receive directions for that service from Nicholas Loftus,
Deputy Treasurer-at-Wars for Ireland. Sent by Mr. Butler.
[Interregnum 23 E., p. 145. Copy. ½ p.] |
March 13. |
Articles of Agreement concluded between Thos. Edwards,
Adjutant-General, Major Edw. More, Commissioners, appointed by
Major-General Mitton [for the Parliament], on the one part, and
Sir Arther Blayney and Capt. Wm. Edwards, Commissioners,
appointed by Col. Wm. Owen, Governor of Harlech Castle, on the
other part, concerning the surrender of the garrison of that Castle
to the use of the Parliament. Subscribed as well by the Commissioners on both sides as by General Mitton and Col. Owen. |
1. That the Governor of the Castle, all officers and soldiers, their
servants, and others in the garrison, shall march out of the Castle of
Harlech with their horses and arms proportionable to their several commands, with matches lighted at both ends, bullet in mouth, every soldier
to have six charges of powder, match and bullet, and with bag and
baggage properly to them belonging, to any place within four miles such
as the Governor shall select, where the common soldiers are to lay down
their arms, their swords excepted, which arms are to be received by such
as General Mitton shall appoint for the use of the Parliament. Also all
gentlemen and clergymen, with their servants, shall have the benefit of
these Articles, who march out of the castle. The common soldiers being
to march to Festiniog, or thereabouts, where they have liberty to stay for
the first night and to have free quarter. |
2. That the Governor, gentlemen, and clergymen, with their servants,
and all officers, soldiers, and others, shall have liberty by these Articles
and the General's pass to go to their homes and friends, if they so desire,
and to reside there unmolested. They are to have free quarter if they so
desire, marching six miles a day, and staying but one night in a place
except in case of sickness. Those who desire to take entertainment from
any foreign Kingdom or State shall have liberty by these Articles and the
General's pass to go and treat with any foreign ambassadors or agents,
and shall be transported beyond sea at usual rates, and in the meantime
no oath or engagements to be imposed on them but a promise not
wilfully to do anything prejudicial to the Parliament. All persons within
this garrison to have liberty to remove their goods and moveables within
six months, and to carry them beyond the seas, or otherwise to dispose of
the same at their pleasure. |
3. That the Governor, officers, and others within the castle may procure
sufficient horses for conveyance of the goods to any place within the
General's quarters, or to Oswestry. |
4. No persons marching forth of this castle shall be reproached,
molested, or plundered, nor any of them enticed or compelled to take up
arms against the King, or be imprisoned or molested for any cause whatsoever during six months hereafter, and those who are sick to have fit
accommodation until they are able to travel, and then to receive the benefit
of these Articles. |
5. If any of these Articles be broken or violated the fault or punishment
shall be visited on the offender only. |
6. All comprised within these Articles shall have a certificate under
General Mitton's hand that they were in the castle at the time of its
surrender if so desiring. |
7. That horses and furniture shall be provided for conveyance of all
officers and gentlemen to their several abodes without payment, and they
may have a safe convoy for their persons and goods. |
8. That the town and corporation of Harlech shall enjoy all their former
rights and privileges. |
9. That the Governor and others in Harlech Castle at its surrender
shall have liberty to compound for their delinquency at such rate as if
they had come in before 1 Dec. 1645, and this liberty shall extend to all
but to such as be under the first and second exceptions, and are excepted
from pardon, provided they compound within six months. |
10. Commissioners to be named by the General to prevent all differences and confusions, as any within the garrison are at liberty to carry away
and dispose of as their own, and the goods belonging to strangers which
are to be left in the castle and be disposed of as the General shall give
order. |
11. That in consideration hereof the Castle of Harlech, with the
ordnance, arms, munitions of war, and other stores, shall be delivered up
to General Mitton's nominee in the condition they now are in, without
any waste or embezzlement, for the service of the Parliament, upon the
15th March, by 10 o'clock. |
[Interregnum 207 G., pp. 353–355.] |
March 15. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at Coventry
By the Commons' order of the 3rd inst. It is referred to the Committee of Warwarkshire to dispose of the gunpowder at Coventry,
in this manner, viz., 20 barrels to Coventry, 20 to Warwick
Castle, and the remainder for the service of Ireland; this latter
being referred to us to regulate, we would have it delivered to
Mr. Charles Walley, of Chester, and Mr. Wm. Dobbins, Commissary for provisions, whose receipt together with these shall
be your warrant. Sent by Mr. Dobbins. [Interregnum 23 E.
pp. 151, 152. Copy=2/3 p.] |
March 16. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to [Charles] Walley. We
learn from Mr. Rowe that the masters of the ships will not undertake to make provision for the soldiers' victuals at sea, which
would have taken off some trouble from our agents, you must
therefore take care, according to our letters of the 12th inst., to
provide that there may be a greater proportion of victuals than
ordinary put on board with [the forces for Dublin] for the reasons
therein expressed, which service we commit to your care. By
an extract of an account of the 1,500l. left with you by the
Commissioners returning from Dublin, we perceive that some
of it has been laid out without order given from the Commissioners, who only had power to dispose of it, and it should
not have been laid out for any other purpose, nor can any other
order except from the Parliament be your warrant in it. For the
horse of Col. Jones they are to be paid upon another account, and
not out of the 1,500l. left in your hands by the Commissioners,
nor out of any money for the service of Dublin. There is now
13,000l. sent to Chester by Mr. [Nicholas] Loftus, [Deputy
Treasurer-at-Wars for Ireland] to remain with you till the Commissioners now going to Dublin shall call for it, and this must
not be employed for any other purpose whatsoever. Sent by
the running post. [Interregnum 23 E., pp. 152, 153. Copy=
1 p.] |
March 16. |
29. Account of pay due to the late Major-General Lawrence
Crawford for his service to the State in the several capacities of
Major-General, President of the Council of War, CommissaryGeneral of Horse, captain of a troop of horse, colonel of a regiment
of foot, and captain of a company of foot in the late army of the
Earl of Manchester serving in the Associated [Eastern] counties.
Total 3,726l. 9s., from which is to be deducted 1,637l. 18s. 6d.
received by him at several times, so there remains of his pay
2,088l. 10s. 6d. besides 859l. for money disbursed, &c., making a
total of 2,947l. 10s. 6d. due to the said Major-General for pay and
disbursements. Signed by E. Crawford, who delivered in this
account upon oath as executrix to Major-General Crawford.
[= 2 pp.] |
March 17. |
30. Ordered by the House of Commons that it be referred to
the Committee at Haberdashers' Hall to consider of the wills
brought by the Judge Advocate from Oxford, and to report the
matter of fact how they find them. Underwritten, |
30. i. Ordered that Mr. Elsing be desired to deliver the wills
to Mr. Daniel Cox for the service of this Committee.
10 Apr. |
30. ii. Mem.—I gave an acquittance to Mr. Elsing for these
wills and the papers brought by the Judge Advocate from
Oxford. [1 p.] |
March 17. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Thos. Fairfax. We
send enclosed the Commons' orders concerning the forces to be sent
into Ireland. By reason that this business is of so great consequence and requires so much haste, we have desired some
members of this Committee to come and confer with you about it,
who will be with you on Saturday next. We have given you
intimation of this that you might have your officers together for
the transaction of that affair, so that the forces designed by the
Parliament may be with all expedition despatched away. Sent by
Mr. Pidcock. [Interregnum 23 E., p. 153. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
March 18. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir John Veel. We have
contracted with Col. Thos. Long for a regiment of foot for the
present service in Ireland, and enclose a copy of the Articles of
Agreement. In order to prevent the danger threatening Dublin
by attempts of the rebels, we have written to Col. Long to have
his men ready for transportation. You are to take care that
shipping be in readiness for those men at Minehead, and agree for
this at the most reasonable rates you can before the time appointed.
For this purpose Mr. [Nicholas] Loftus is appointed to send you
1,000l., which is to be employed only for the service of this regiment according to the Articles, i.e., 6d. per diem so long as they
shall attend for transportation, the whole of which is not to be
paid to the soldiers, but is for the discharge of their quarters. The
course followed in Lancashire is that 2d. per diem or 14d. per
week be given to the soldiers and 4d. reserved to pay quarters,
which course we think it fit for you to hold. They are likewise to
receive a month's pay for all both officers and men when they shall
be on board, but see that strict musters be taken that the State be
not prejudiced. We desire you to see that for every man embarked
there be 5s. worth of victuals shipped with him for their subsistence at sea besides their transportation money; this is necessary,
as they may be enforced to lie some time in Dublin Bay before
they can land. Also see that they be furnished with 4 barrels of
gunpowder with match and bullet proportionable. Keep by you
until we give further order what may be left of that money. We
desire to be informed by this post of the readiness of shipping and
if there be anything likely to retard this service that we may
remove it. Sent by the post. [Interregnum 23 E., pp. 154, 155.
Copy. 1½ pp.] |
March 18. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Thos. Fairfax. We wrote to you in our last
that we had desired some members of this Committee to come and
confer with you about the matter of the votes passed by the
Commons then sent you. We have desired Lord Wharton, Sir
Wm. Waller, Sir John Clotworthy, and Mr. [Henry] Salwey to
confer with you according to those votes concerning the sending of
7 regiments of foot and 4 of horse from your army into Ireland for
service there, which being of great concernment requires speedy
despatch. We desire you to give this matter all the furtherance
you can, that it may be expedited according to the necessity and
exigency of the affair. Sent by the Commissioners. [Ibid.,
pp. 155, 166. Copy=2/3 p.] |
March 18. Derby House. |
The same to Cols. Hungerford and Long. Although we doubt
not but you will be careful that your forces shall be ready within
the time appointed in the Articles of your Agreement, yet for that
the service is of very great consequence for which you are designed,
and such as if it should miscarry for want of the forces appointed
it would greatly prejudice this kingdom and the carrying on of the
war in future in Ireland, we therefore would remind you that all
possible diligence should be used in getting your forces together
and at the waterside by the time appointed at the furthest. We
have given order that shipping be in readiness and all things else
which are to be done on our part. Immediately on coming to the
port of embarkation you are to put your forces on board and
transport yourself and them to Dublin Bay. That you may know
how you ought to order yourself there we send enclosed a copy of
the instructions given to Major Astley and Lieut.-Col. Huetson for
treating with Ormond about employing the forces in Lecale and
the regiment of Col. Castle in Lancashire. We desire you to
observe and follow the same directions as were given to Col.
Castle, viz., if you find the hostages given [by Ormond] according
to these instructions, you are to receive orders from Ormond or
otherwise to be put into such of the garrisons now in his power as
you shall be able to make good. But if neither of these [should be
carried out], you are then to continue to ride in Dublin Bay so long
as your victuals will serve and the weather permit, and then to
bear up to some port in the power of the Parliament in Ulster
and give us speedy notice thereof. Sent by the post. [Ibid.,
pp. 156, 157. Copy. 12/3 pp.] |
March 18. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Coventry. By the Commons'
order of the 3rd inst. it is referred to the Committee of Warwickshire to dispose of the gunpowder at Coventry, as stated in ours of
the 15th present [which see]. The remainder for the service in
Ireland is to be delivered to Wm. Dobbins, Commissary for Provisions, or his nominee. Sent by Mr. Dobbins. [Ibid., p. 158.
Copy. 2/3 p.] |
March 18. Derby House. |
The same to Mr. Rowe and Mr. Hooke. That part of your
letter which concerns the ships we have extracted, and recommended to the Committee of the Admiralty, who, we conceive, will
take order therein; and we have written to Mr. Walley that
victuals may be provided for the soldiers [to be embarked for
Dublin] whilst at sea. The victuals you speak of agrees with the
account here given of it by the contractors, and orders shall be
given for sending it with or immediately after the soldiers.
Mr. Walley will be furnished with money to pay the soldiers their
month's pay when they are on board, and the charge of their
transportation. What remains due to the soldiers of the 14d. per
week should be paid them in money, for the discharge of their
quarters will be better done by others when they are gone, concerning which order shall be taken. The Commissioners [for
Ireland] will be despatched down in a few days, therefore let all
things be in the most ready posture for transportation. Sent by
the post. [Ibid., pp. 158, 159. Copy. 1¼ pp.] |
March 20. Horsey Down. |
31. Acknowledgment by John Litchington that John Pearce,
captain of the "Weymouth" frigate, had satisfied him in full for
the whole time he served with him at sea. [½ p.] |
March 22. |
32. Engagement by the officers who drew off from the army [at
the conclusion of the war]. Being ready and willing to answer
the expectation of the Parliament in their votes for sending a part
of this army, both horse and foot, to serve in Ireland, we hereby
freely promise to advance that service, and improve our interests
with the officers and soldiers under our respective commands to
engage in the same; resting confident of the Parliament's care
to give satisfaction concerning their arrears, and to provide a competent maintenance for the subsistence of that army in their
service; and also for making provision for their indemnity for
past services in this kingdom, and appointing some person of
honour, experience, and integrity to have the command over them.
29 signatures. [Printed in Lords' Journals ix., 114. Copy.
1 p.] |
March 22. |
Copy of the same. Interregnum 14 E., pp. 192, 193.] |
March 23. |
33. Petition of divers masters of ships trading to Newcastle for
coals to the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Admiralty
and Cinque Ports. That there is a ballast shore erected at the
West Pans of South Shields, near Newcastle, for the convenience
of loading and unloading great ships. That the magistrates and
commonalty of Newcastle for their own private gain have of late
erected up stream several shores for casting ballast, some upon
such unfit ground that they are liable to fall in and choke the
river, as Mr. Warmouth's did in October last, whereby ships that
had 8 foot of water at the quay now have only 4. That the
magistrates and commonalty, although they know the convenience
of that ballast shore at the West Pans, yet for their own profit
they forbid petitioners to load and unload there, but force them
to go up the river to cast their ballast out at their wharfs, causing
them to lose as much time as they might make a voyage to
London. The Newcastle people not only hinder them from casting
their ballast at West Pans, but most unjustly imprison some and
detain them until they pay large sums, contrary to the laws of
the land and liberty of the subject. Petitioners pray that they
may enjoy that freedom of subjects and have liberty to trade and
unload at the West Pans at South Shields, it being so commodious
to them, and tending so much to the benefit of navigation.
31 signatures, and many others. [=2 pp.] Annexed, |
33. i. Ordered by the Committee for the Admiralty and Cinque
Ports,—That a copy of this petition be delivered to
Mr. Blaxton, M.P. for Newcastle, who is desired to
consider thereof, and on the 30th March to give this
Committee a meeting that then it may be debated, and
an indifferent way found for doing right to petitioners
without prejudice to the town of Newcastle, when the
petitioners are also desired to attend. [2/3 p.] |
March 23. Norgowe. |
Sir John Conyers to Edw. Viscount Conway. I do not hear
that the displeasure of the [late] Prince of Orange against his son
before his death was so great that he refused to see him, but they
say he was jealous of him, and for this cause,—some about him, as
tis said to flatter him, persuaded him that in regard of his age and
indisposition he should do well to quit a part of those great
businesses wherewith he was hourly importuned, and to lay them
upon his son's shoulders, wherewith he was much offended,
believing they had been set on by the Prince William; the like
had befallen him in the [Dutch] army last summer, where one or
some of the States [of the United Provinces] moved him to the
same purpose, saying Prince William was young and active, and
might very well ease him, whereto in a great deal of choler he
answered, "Mort Dieu! Je ne suis pas mort encore." It may be
he was also displeased with the Prince for his debauchery, for he,
speaking to some of the States, in his sickness, about the establishing of his son in the government after him, they told him of
the disorderly living of Prince William; he entreated them not to
take that to be so ill in his son, for he himself was so in his youth,
but business and years would recall the Prince from those vices,
[of] which they say the greatest is wenching; and the people stick
not to say publicly that he cares not a whit for his wife [the
English Princess Royal], for these [Hollanders] are people of little
ceremony; and it is certain there be great discontents in that
Court on all parts, and 'tis pity our Princess [Royal] hath not
better counsel about him. The States General, and the other
Provinces who formerly had granted in reversion the government
of the Provinces to Prince William, received him after the death
of the [late] Prince [of Orange], except Holland, which deferred it
till Wednesday last, being unwilling to grant him [the young
Prince] so large and ample a commission as his father had, but
now they also have received him. Prince William is not Governor
of Friesland, of which province Count William is Stadtholder or
Lieutenant, as the Prince is of the rest [of Holland]. This Count
William is the son of Count Ernest, whose brother Count Henry
had it [Friesland] previously, after the decease of their father.
It is said Apolonius replies upon his book, if you please when it
comes out I will send it to you. [Extract from Holland Correspondence, Foreign Series.] |
1647. March 29. Norgowe. |
34. Sir John Conyers to Edw. Visct. Conway. Since my last to
you of the 23rd I have inquired further about Apolonius, whom I
hear to be a very worthy man, sound in doctrine, and of good life,
and much esteemed at Middelburg. Of his book and the answer
to it you will be able to judge, as I have sent them to Hans Host
to be forwarded to you by the first ship [going for England]. It
was reported that Col. Goring had sold his regiment to Killigrew,
and was gone to Brussels, now again that is denied, and it is said
he is still at the Hague. From the Court there I have heard
nothing since my last. P.S.—Let the enclosed be delivered to
Mr. Gerrard. [1½ pp.] |
March 29. Windsor Castle. |
35. Wm. Botterell to Messrs. Cloberry and Gregory, at the
Committee of Accounts in London. I have procured more acquittances, which with the testimony I shall bring I hope will put the
business of my accounts under. the command of his Excellency Sir
Thos. Fairfax about the magazine at Reading to an end. Send us
word by this bearer when I may wait on you. I fear in regard
of the [Public] Fast your occasions will not leave time this week,
but Tuesday or Wednesday next week would suit me well. [Seal
with crest. ½ p.] |
March 30. |
36. Declaration of the dislike of both Houses to this petition of
the Army. That the two Houses having received information of
a dangerous petition, with representations annexed, tending to put
the army into a distemper and mutiny, to put conditions upon the
Parliament and obstruct the relief of Ireland, they do declare their
high dislike of that petition, their approbation and esteem of their
good service who first discovered it, and of all such officers and
soldiers as have refused to join in it; and for such as have been
drawn into subscribing it, if they for the future manifest their dislike of what they have done, by forbearing to proceed any further
in it, their offence shall be condoned, and the good service they
have formerly done be only remembered, and they still be retained
in the good opinion of the Houses. On the other hand, all those
who shall continue in their distempered condition, and go on in
advancing and promoting that petition, shall be looked upon and
proceeded against as enemies to the State and disturbers of the
public peace. [Printed in Lords' Journals ix., 115. Copy signed
John Browne, Clerk of Parliaments. 1 p.] |
March 30. |
37. Collection of precedents showing that all ships refusing to
strike their sails in English waters are to be reputed enemies, and
are liable to forfeiture. The first example is in the year 1200.
"At Hastings it was declared by King John, with the assent of the
Peers, that if the Governor or Commander of the King's Navy
shall meet any ships whatsoever at sea which refuse to strike their
sails, that then they are to be reputed enemies if they may be
taken; yea, and their ships and goods confiscated as the goods of
enemies. It was accounted treason if any ship whatsoever had not
acknowledged the dominion of the King of England in his own sea
by striking sail." The next example is in April 1634. As for
strangers that refuse to do their duty, Sir H. Martin [Judge of the
Admiralty] says,—"That, by the law of the Admiralty of England,
as also in France, such strangers' ships are forfeited. If a stranger
refuse to do his duty and afterwards be forced unto it, whether we
shall not bring him in a delinquent to answer his contempt?
7 April 1634." Apostilled thus,—"This ought to be done, and if
he resist to be tried as a pirate." The other references refer to
different years in the reign of Charles I., being extracts from instructions given to Captain Pennington. The last date is 30 March
1647. Instructions given by the Committee of Lords and Commons
to their commanders:—"If you chance to meet in the seas that
are under the jurisdiction of England, Scotland, and Ireland with
any ships or fleet belonging to any foreign Prince or State, you
must expect that they there shall perform their duty and homage
passing by, in striking their topsails and taking in their flags, and
if they refuse to do it and offer to resist you are to enforce them
thereunto." [6 pp.] |
March 30. |
38. Similar collection of extracts out of some Admiralty leger or
book designated Liber E, comprising instructions touching his
Majesty's sovereignty of the Narrow Seas. They refer to the years
1631, 1633, 1636, 1639, and 1647. Extracts:—Out of Sir Francis
Stewart's instructions; out of Captain Pennington's, he being
Admiral, 20 May 1631; private instructions to Capt. Pennington,
21 May 1631; out of a letter from the Admiralty; out of Capt.
Penington's instructions, 16 Apr. 1633; the Reglement for Ships
trading and passing in the Narrow Seas, March 1633; out of the
instructions given by Capt. Rainsborough, Admiral, 4 March 1636–7;
out of instruction from the "Unicorn" in the Downs, 27 Sept.
1639; out of instructions given by Sir John Pennington as
Admiral, 1639; out of the instructions given by the Committee
of Lords and Commons at Westminster, 30 March 1647. [14 pp.] |
[March 30.] |
39. The like, from some Admiralty leger-book, comprising
extracts of instructions to several Admirals at their going to sea
touching his Majesty's sovereignty of the Narrow Seas, &c. They
refer to the years 1630–1637 inclusive. [6 pp.] |
March 30. Westminster. |
40. Instructions given by the Committee of Lords and Commons
for the Admiralty and Cinque Ports, to be observed by all captains,
officers, and common men respectively in this [summer's] fleet,
provided to the glory of God, the honour and service of the Parliament, and the safety of the three kingdoms. You are especially
to safeguard the coasts and seas belonging to these islands, and
must expect from all foreign ships an acknowledgment of this
kingdom's sovereignty, by striking sails and taking in flags within
such jurisdiction. You are not to suffer any man-of-war to fight
with another or with a merchant ship, or merchant with merchant,
in presence of the ship under your command. If you should meet
with any foreign ships, being men-of-war, in any roads or harbours
appertaining to the three kingdoms with counterfeit colours, you
are to apprehend them, and cause them to be brought into some
port to answer such their presumption and offence according to law.
If you meet with any vessel belonging to any Prince or State
either at sea or in harbour, you are to send to see whether there be
any of the subjects of these kingdoms aboard; and if any seamen,
gunners, pilots, or mariners, either English, Scotch, or Irish, be
found aboard, you are to cause them to be taken forth, committed
and disposed aboard or otherwise, and also friendly to admonish
the captains, commanders, and officers of such foreign vessels that
they receive aboard no more of the subjects of these three kingdoms, that the Parliament may have no cause to resent it at their
hands. Signed by the Commissioners, and addressed to John
Peirce, commander of the "Weymouth" frigate. [17 pp.] |
March. |
41. Mr. W. Pierrepont, Sir Wm. Armyne, and 5 others, to the
Committee for Accounts of the kingdom. We have lately received
letters out of our part of the country from sundry men of quality
and known integrity, wherein they signify to us their earnest
desires that the Ordinances of Parliament for the accounts of the
kingdom may be effectually put in execution with them, but of
which they despair, in regard of the little service hitherto done,
though the sub-committee hath continued 3 years, wherefore we
earnestly desire you, for the better carrying on of that service,
these gentlemen hereunder named may be added to that Committee, and we doubt not you will suddenly find a change for the
better, in effecting what we all desire for the service of the Parliament and our country in particular, and so, not doubting of your
satisfactory answer by this bearer, we rest. Underwritten, |
41. i. List of 21 names recommended to be added to the subcommittee. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.] |